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Itisha Arya

New ‘Frankenstein’ Covid Strain Might Be Behind This Unique Autumn Cold Symptom

frankenstein unique symptom autumn cold

With <span>Covid-19</span> making a comeback, a new variant ominously nicknamed “Frankenstein” is drawing attention as health authorities report a noticeable increase in cases and hospital admissions. While that is concerning, there’s another challenge: autumn colds are circulating at the same time and share similar symptoms with this new variant, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. It is important to pay close attention to specific signs and act cautiously.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/new-covid-frankenstein-variant-might-be-behind-your-tooth-pain-nhs-warns-of-new-symptom-article-153024905" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Frankenstein COVID Symptoms: New Variant May Cause Tooth Pain, NHS Warns</a>

In the UK, the <span>Frankenstein</span> variant has quickly become the dominant strain nationwide. Many people experiencing <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/common-cold">common cold</a></span> symptoms are unsure whether it is just an <span>autumn cold</span> or the new variant. According to the NHS, sniffles and sneezing could actually indicate the <span>Frankenstein Covid</span> strain rather than a seasonal cold, and it is spreading rapidly across the country.

<h2>What Is Frankenstein New Variant?</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the recent surge in Covid cases is linked to a new variant called XFG, nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant virus, containing genetic material from two Covid subtypes: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has been monitoring XFG since June 25, 2025, and it has now been detected in multiple countries. Current data suggest that the overall public health risk is low, and existing Covid vaccines are still expected to prevent severe illness and symptomatic infections.

<h2>Frankenstein New Variant Symptoms</h2>

Symptoms of the XFG variant resemble those of previous Covid strains and are usually mild, often looking like a typical cold. They include:

<ul><li>Sore throat</li><li>Runny or congested nose</li><li>Dry cough</li><li>Fatigue and body aches</li><li>Mild fever</li><li>Loss of appetite</li></ul>

An autumn cold refers to the common cold occurring during the autumn season. It is not caused by a unique virus; rather, it’s a descriptive term for the time of year. Cold and flu viruses spread more easily in cooler months, and people are more vulnerable as they spend more time indoors.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-you-get-your-covid-and-flu-shots-at-the-same-time-experts-explain-article-153025015" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Can You Get Your Covid And Flu Shots At The Same Time? Experts Explain</a>

<h2>Frankenstein and Autumn Cold Symptoms Overlap</h2>

As Covid XFG and seasonal colds share similar symptoms, it can be tricky to tell them apart. There is one symptom in particular, which is cough and cold, you should get tested for Covid. With the Frankenstein variant spreading quickly, it’s essential to remain vigilant, especially when experiencing respiratory symptoms that could be linked to either a virus or the flu.

Research on the Frankenstein variant is still ongoing. Since it can affect people differently, taking precautions and consulting a doctor at the first sign of symptoms remain critical.

<h2>How To Stay Safe From Frankenstein Variant?</h2>During the respiratory illness season, PHAC reminds everyone to stay current on recommended vaccines, including those for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“These vaccines offer strong protection against serious illness. Check with your healthcare provider or local public health authority about which vaccines are right for you,” the agency advised.

<ul><li>Staying home when feeling unwell</li><li>Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when appropriate, including: if you are sick and need to be around others; during seasons when respiratory illnesses are more common, such as fall and winter; in closed or crowded spaces; and if you have personal risk factors (for example, higher risk for serious complications, or frequent contact with vulnerable people such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems)</li><li>Improving ventilation indoors whenever possible</li><li>Washing hands frequently</li><li>Covering coughs and sneezes</li><li>Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects</li></ul>

Where All Is Frankenstein Virus Spreading?

As of October 2025, reports indicate that the Frankenstein variant (XFG) is circulating widely across Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of North America. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by June 2025, XFG had already been detected in 38 countries, with the highest prevalence in the following regions:

<strong>United Kingdom</strong>: Sometimes referred to as “Stratus,” XFG became the most common Covid strain in England by mid-2025, accounting for around 30% of infections.

<strong>France</strong>: Health authorities reported an increase in Covid-related hospital visits linked to XFG in September and October 2025.

<strong>Luxembourg</strong>: The variant is now the dominant strain, though officials note no evidence of increased severity.

<strong>Switzerland</strong>: XFG has been detected in wastewater for several weeks. Experts say it spreads more easily but is not more dangerous than previous strains.

<strong>Turkey</strong>: The variant began spreading in early October 2025.

<strong>Ukraine</strong>: Reports from early October indicate the variant is spreading rapidly across Europe.

<strong>Canada: </strong>XFG has been detected in wastewater in Montreal and is spreading through Quebec.

<strong>United States: </strong>Authorities are monitoring imported cases, and the variant has been reported in multiple states.

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With Covid-19 making a comeback, a new variant ominously nicknamed “Frankenstein” is drawing attention as health authorities report a noticeable increase in cases and hospital admissions. While that is concerning, there’s another challenge: autumn colds are circulating at the same time and share similar symptoms with this new variant, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. It is important to pay close attention to specific signs and act cautiously.Also Read: Frankenstein COVID Symptoms: New Variant May Cause Tooth Pain, NHS WarnsIn the UK, the Frankenstein variant has quickly become the dominant strain nationwide. Many people experiencing common cold symptoms are unsure whether it is just an autumn cold or the new variant. According to the NHS, sniffles and sneezing could actually indicate the Frankenstein Covid strain rather than a seasonal cold, and it is spreading rapidly across the country.What Is Frankenstein New Variant?The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the recent surge in Covid cases is linked to a new variant called XFG, nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant virus, containing genetic material from two Covid subtypes: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has been monitoring XFG since June 25, 2025, and it has now been detected in multiple countries. Current data suggest that the overall public health risk is low, and existing Covid vaccines are still expected to prevent severe illness and symptomatic infections.Frankenstein New Variant SymptomsSymptoms of the XFG variant resemble those of previous Covid strains and are usually mild, often looking like a typical cold. They include:Sore throatRunny or congested noseDry coughFatigue and body achesMild feverLoss of appetiteWhat Is Autumn Cold?An autumn cold refers to the common cold occurring during the autumn season. It is not caused by a unique virus; rather, it’s a descriptive term for the time of year. Cold and flu viruses spread more easily in cooler months, and people are more vulnerable as they spend more time indoors.Also Read: Can You Get Your Covid And Flu Shots At The Same Time? Experts ExplainFrankenstein and Autumn Cold Symptoms OverlapAs Covid XFG and seasonal colds share similar symptoms, it can be tricky to tell them apart. There is one symptom in particular, which is cough and cold, you should get tested for Covid. With the Frankenstein variant spreading quickly, it’s essential to remain vigilant, especially when experiencing respiratory symptoms that could be linked to either a virus or the flu.Research on the Frankenstein variant is still ongoing. Since it can affect people differently, taking precautions and consulting a doctor at the first sign of symptoms remain critical.How To Stay Safe From Frankenstein Variant?During the respiratory illness season, PHAC reminds everyone to stay current on recommended vaccines, including those for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).“These vaccines offer strong protection against serious illness. Check with your healthcare provider or local public health authority about which vaccines are right for you,” the agency advised.Personal protective measures include:Staying home when feeling unwellWearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when appropriate, including: if you are sick and need to be around others; during seasons when respiratory illnesses are more common, such as fall and winter; in closed or crowded spaces; and if you have personal risk factors (for example, higher risk for serious complications, or frequent contact with vulnerable people such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems)Improving ventilation indoors whenever possibleWashing hands frequentlyCovering coughs and sneezesCleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objectsWhere All Is Frankenstein Virus Spreading?As of October 2025, reports indicate that the Frankenstein variant (XFG) is circulating widely across Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of North America. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by June 2025, XFG had already been detected in 38 countries, with the highest prevalence in the following regions:EuropeUnited Kingdom: Sometimes referred to as “Stratus,” XFG became the most common Covid strain in England by mid-2025, accounting for around 30% of infections.France: Health authorities reported an increase in Covid-related hospital visits linked to XFG in September and October 2025.Luxembourg: The variant is now the dominant strain, though officials note no evidence of increased severity.Switzerland: XFG has been detected in wastewater for several weeks. Experts say it spreads more easily but is not more dangerous than previous strains.Turkey: The variant began spreading in early October 2025.Ukraine: Reports from early October indicate the variant is spreading rapidly across Europe.North AmericaCanada: XFG has been detected in wastewater in Montreal and is spreading through Quebec.United States: Authorities are monitoring imported cases, and the variant has been reported in multiple states.

new frankenstein covid unique symptom might be behind autumn cold

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